Special Photo
Actors rehearse a scene from “Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon” with Cameron Cox, on left, and Sophia Allen.

What would happen if all 209 stories created by the Brothers Grimm were combined into one big theatrical experience? The results would be "Spectaculathon," a production being presented by Live Arts Theatre today through Sunday at New Dawn Theater in Duluth.

"Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon," written by playwright Don Zolidis, will be "an enormous mega super story that will rock your world," according to artistic director Becca Parker. The performances will take place on today at 8 p.m., on Saturday at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and on Sunday at 2 p.m. The theatre is located at 3087 Main St. in Duluth. Tickets are all general admission for $15. They can be purchased by calling the box office at 603-867-2200, emailing box office@liveartstheatre.org or online at www.liveartstheatre.org.

"This hilarious presentation proves that these are not your grandmother's fairy tales," Parker said. "It's just a funny script. All your favorite characters are here from Rapunzel and Snow White to the Frog Prince. Kids will love the physical comedy and audiences can look forward to witty one-liners, audience participation and surprises around every corner."

The play is accompanied by original music created for the show by local composer Michael Parker, who has a degree in music composition from Shenandoah Conservatory in Winchester, Va. He said, "I try to compose music that will remind the audience of other popular music they have heard. This gives the audience a point of reference, but presents the music in a new and fun way."

The cast of 12 actors and five crew members includes a number of children and their parents.

"One of the neat things about this show is that the technical side of things, like scene changes, costume changes, are all a part of the show, so the audience gets to see the crew, which they rarely get to do in live theatre," Parker said.

"The show is hilarious," Parker added. "There is a lot of audience participation, which makes it a great introduction to live theatre for children. I have to say the Cinderella scene is probably the funniest, but there are laughs around every corner. It's a very well-written script, and when you add an extremely talented cast, you have a winning situation."

Members of that cast and crew include Barbara Allen and her daughter Sophia, 10. Dad Brett Allen helped build the set. Shannon Schoper-Satterfield and her daughter Makenna, 8, and Jordan, 15, and Cameron, 18, are performing. Mom Lisa Cox is the costume designer. George Peters, 11, is in the cast, and his father, George Sr., helped build the sets. Ally Johns, 13, is another actor, and her mom Kristie is an assistant stage manager.

The rest of the cast and crew include Chuck Mason, Lisa Jordan, Jennifer Sebrell, Greg Bradford and Daniel O'Brien, who is lighting and sound technician. Musician/composer Michael Parker is also the stage manager.

For more information about "Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon," visit www.liveartstheatre.org.

Holley Calmes is a freelance writer and public relations consultant specializing in the arts. Email her at hcalmes@mindspring.com.